U.S. patent application number 13/439953 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-10 for mobile x-ray unit with integrated x-ray shield.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arun A. Balan, Mahendra Madhukar Patil, Jijo Varghese. Invention is credited to Arun A. Balan, Mahendra Madhukar Patil, Jijo Varghese.
Application Number | 20130266122 13/439953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49292305 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130266122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patil; Mahendra Madhukar ;
et al. |
October 10, 2013 |
MOBILE X-RAY UNIT WITH INTEGRATED X-RAY SHIELD
Abstract
A mobile x-ray imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield is
disclosed. The mobile x-ray imaging unit includes a base, a column
structure extending upwardly from the base, a horizontal arm
mounted on the column structure, and an x-ray source positioned on
the horizontal arm, with the x-ray source configured to generate
x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray image. The mobile x-ray
imaging unit also includes an x-ray shield extending upwardly from
the base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray
source that is configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by
the x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is
formed of an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray
shield is sized so as to provide x-ray shielding to an operator
when the operator is in a standing position.
Inventors: |
Patil; Mahendra Madhukar;
(Bangalore, IN) ; Balan; Arun A.; (Ermakulam,
IN) ; Varghese; Jijo; (Bangalore, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Patil; Mahendra Madhukar
Balan; Arun A.
Varghese; Jijo |
Bangalore
Ermakulam
Bangalore |
|
IN
IN
IN |
|
|
Family ID: |
49292305 |
Appl. No.: |
13/439953 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
378/98 ; 29/428;
378/114; 378/198 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/107 20130101;
A61B 6/4429 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A61B 6/4405
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
378/98 ; 378/198;
378/114; 29/428 |
International
Class: |
H05G 1/02 20060101
H05G001/02; H05G 1/64 20060101 H05G001/64; B23P 11/00 20060101
B23P011/00; H05G 1/56 20060101 H05G001/56 |
Claims
1. A mobile x-ray imaging unit comprising: a base; a column
structure extending upwardly from the base; a horizontal arm
mounted on the column structure; an x-ray source positioned on the
horizontal arm and configured to generate x-ray radiation for
acquisition of an x-ray image; and an x-ray shield extending
upwardly from the base on a side of the column structure opposite
the x-ray source and being configured to attenuate x-ray radiation
generated by the x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the
x-ray shield is formed of an optically transparent material and
wherein the x-ray shield is sized so as to provide x-ray shielding
to an operator when the operator is in a standing position.
2. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 wherein the optically
transparent material comprises one of leaded glass and a leaded
acrylic material.
3. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 wherein the column
structure includes a vertically oriented track formed thereon.
4. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 3 wherein the horizontal
arm comprises a telescopic arm configured to extend in a horizontal
direction and slide along the track on the column structure in a
vertical direction, so as to provide for positioning of the x-ray
source.
5. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 wherein the horizontal
arm comprises a hinged arm attached to an upper end of the column
structure, the hinged arm configured to enable movement of the
x-ray source both horizontally and vertically to provide for
positioning of the x-ray source.
6. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 further comprising a
display and a control panel configured to control operation and
positioning of the x-ray source.
7. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 6 wherein the control
panel comprises a pair of exposure switches configured to control
operation of the x-ray source.
8. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 7 wherein the generation
of x-ray radiation by the x-ray source is initiated when the pair
of exposure switches is simultaneously pressed.
9. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 8 wherein the pair of
exposure switches are arranged proximate to left and right side
vertical edges of the x-ray shield, respectively, such that the
technician is centered behind the x-ray shield when simultaneously
pressing the pair of exposure switches.
10. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 wherein the x-ray
shield comprises a telescopic shield that is expandable in a
vertical direction between an extended position and a collapsed
position, such that a height of the x-ray shield can be varied.
11. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 10 further comprising:
at least one transducer configured to detect the extended position
of the x-ray shield; and a controller configured to enable
operation of the x-ray source only when the x-ray shield is in its
extended position.
12. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 wherein the x-ray
shield comprises a shield that is expandable in a horizontal
direction between an extended position and a collapsed position,
such that a width of the x-ray shield can be varied.
13. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 12 further comprising:
at least one transducer configured to detect the extended position
of the x-ray shield; and a controller configured to enable
operation of the x-ray source only when the x-ray shield is in its
extended position.
14. A mobile x-ray imaging unit comprising: a wheeled base
comprising a bottom plane and a back plane; a column structure
extending upwardly from the bottom plane of the base; a horizontal
arm mounted on the column structure; an x-ray source positioned on
the horizontal arm, the x-ray source configured to generate x-ray
radiation to accommodate acquisition of an x-ray image; and an
x-ray shield extending upwardly from the bottom plane of the base
and up to a height that is greater than a height of the back plane,
the x-ray shield being configured to shield an operator from x-ray
radiation generated by the x-ray source during operation thereof
and being constructed, at least in part, of an optically
transparent material to enable the operator to view a subject being
imaged.
15. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 wherein the optically
transparent material is configured to attenuate x-ray radiation
generated by the x-ray source.
16. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 15 wherein the optically
transparent material comprises one of leaded glass and a leaded
acrylic material.
17. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 16 wherein the
horizontal arm comprises a telescopic arm extendable in a
horizontal direction, the telescopic arm configured to translate
along the column structure in a vertical direction.
18. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 wherein the
horizontal arm comprises a hinged arm attached to an upper end of
the column structure, the hinged arm configured to enable movement
of the x-ray source in horizontal and vertical directions.
19. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 further comprising a
control panel positioned adjacent a top edge of the back plane of
the base and on a side of the x-ray shield opposite the column
structure, the control panel comprising a pair of exposure switches
configured to control operation of the x-ray source.
20. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 19 wherein the pair of
exposure switches are arranged proximate to left and right side
vertical edges of the x-ray shield, respectively, and wherein
generation of x-ray radiation by the x-ray source is initiated when
the pair of exposure switches is simultaneously pressed.
21. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 wherein the x-ray
shield comprises an extendable x-ray shield configured to slide in
a vertical direction between an extended position and a collapsed
position, such that a height of the x-ray shield can be varied.
22. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 21 further comprising:
at least one transducer configured to detect the extended position
of the x-ray shield; and a controller configured to enable
operation of the x-ray source only when the said x-ray shield is in
its extended position.
23. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 wherein the x-ray
shield comprises a shield that is expandable in a horizontal
direction between an extended position and a collapsed position,
such that a width of the x-ray shield can be varied.
24. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 23 further comprising:
at least one transducer configured to detect the extended position
of the x-ray shield; and a controller configured to enable
operation of the x-ray source only when the said x-ray shield is in
its extended position.
25. A method of manufacturing a mobile x-ray imaging unit, the
method comprising: providing a base; affixing a vertically oriented
column structure to the base; mounting a horizontal arm onto the
column structure, the horizontal arm including an x-ray source
attached thereto on an end distal from the column structure that is
configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray
image; and positioning a vertically oriented x-ray shield on the
base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray source,
the x-ray shield being formed at least in part of an optically
transparent material configured to attenuate x-ray radiation
generated by the x-ray source, so as to shield an operator from the
x-ray radiation.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising affixing a control
panel onto a back surface of the x-ray shield, the control panel
comprising a pair of exposure switches configured to control
operation of the x-ray source, with the pair of exposure switches
being positioned proximate to left and right side vertical edges of
the x-ray shield, respectively, such that the operator is centered
behind the x-ray shield when simultaneously pressing the pair of
exposure switches.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the vertically oriented x-ray
shield is configured to be extendable in at least one of a vertical
direction and a horizontal direction; and wherein the method
further comprises: providing at least one transducer configured to
detect when the x-ray shield is in an extended state; and providing
a controller configured to enable operation of the x-ray source
only when the x-ray shield is in the extended state, so as to
shield the operator from the x-ray radiation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to mobile
x-ray imaging and, more particularly, to a mobile x-ray unit with
an integrated x-ray shield and a method of manufacturing
thereof.
[0002] Conventional mobile medical diagnostic-imaging systems, such
as mobile digital x-ray imaging systems, are in widespread use by
hospitals, trauma centers, and clinics. Mobile digital x-Ray
imaging systems consist primarily of an x-ray generator and an
x-ray tube mounted on a motorized chassis powered from a battery.
The imaging is performed on imaging media of either chemical film
or an electronic detector.
[0003] Mobile medical x-ray imaging systems are often used when a
patient is unable to move to a fixed-based x-ray imaging system. To
image the patient, a clinician moves the mobile medical x-ray
imaging system to the patient, positions the tube on one side of
the patient, places either a film screen cassette or an electronic
detector on the other side of the patient, and images an exposure.
For chemical film imaging, the clinician walks the film cassette to
a film processor, develops the film and finally slips the finished
film on a light box to make sure that the exposure was of
diagnostic quality, considering, among other things, exposure
technique and patient positioning. For electronic detectors, the
electronic image data is stored on electronic media and physically
transported to an electronic system that is capable of processing
and/or displaying the image.
[0004] In operation of mobile medical x-ray imaging systems, it is
recognized that the clinician or technician performing the scans
must be shielded from the x-ray radiation generated by the system.
Traditionally, clinicians are shielded from the x-ray radiation
generated by the system by wearing a protective lead apron.
However, it is recognized that there are numerous drawbacks
associated with the wearing and use of such lead aprons. For
example, protective lead aprons are typically very heavy and too
inconvenient to repeatedly wear and take-off. Thus, there is a
day-to-day discomfort and stress associated with the wearing and
frequent changeovers (i.e., wearing/removal) of heavy lead aprons,
and there are long-terms effects/injuries associated with the use
of heavy lead aprons and its impact on the technician's well-being.
Additionally, aprons are prone to come in contact with body fluids
(e.g., blood) that can only be treated via manual washing, drying,
and sanitizing, which is often a cumbersome task requiring staff to
perform these tasks in a safe way (as the aprons are not suitable
for machine washing). Furthermore, multiple technicians may
sometimes be sharing the aprons and thus be vulnerable to the risks
associated with improper hygienic conditions of the aprons.
[0005] In addition to user comfort and hygienic issues associated
with the use of lead aprons, it is also recognized that such aprons
may get damaged internally over time due to normal wear-and-tear
and if they are not maintained well. If the technicians continue
using these damaged aprons, they will potentially be exposed to
harmful radiation, and thus meticulous and cumbersome apron
tagging, along with strict observation of inspection and management
protocols, must be implemented in order ensure that the lead aprons
are in a usable condition. Even when the lead aprons are maintained
in a proper condition, it is recognized that in some countries,
owing to a lack of awareness and resources, technicians may be
doing x-ray procedures without using adequate protection, as the
mobile x-ray imaging system itself does not prevent misuse (e.g.,
operation of the system without wearing of an apron).
[0006] The use of lead aprons as a means for radiation shielding
not only causes issues with respect to the health and safety of a
wearer, but also causes issues with respect to the efficiency and
accuracy of performing patient scans. That is, in the conventional
method involving the technician to wear a protective lead apron,
the technician will perform the adjustments and articulations of
the x-ray tube, collimator, and detector on the mobile x-ray unit
as needed with respect to the patient's body, then walk as far away
from the unit as feasible (e.g., 12-15 feet away from the patient
bed) before taking an exposure from a remote location via
activation of the unit by a corded or cordless exposure switch.
This movement by the technician to different locations increases
the time required for the imaging operation and also prolongs the
time for which the patient has to keep holding-on to a body posture
along with x-ray cassette/detector, thus possibly causing
discomfort for the patient. Furthermore, when taking the exposure
from a remote location, it is difficult for the technician to
monitor or verify if all the alignments and adjustments previously
done were appropriate and have not been disturbed until the time of
exposure. Thus, if the patient or the x-ray unit has moved without
the technician noticing it while he/she walks to a remote location
for taking the exposure, the image quality will be adversely
affected.
[0007] Therefore, it would be desirable to design a mobile x-ray
unit that provides x-ray radiation protection to a technician
without the technician having to wear a protective lead apron. It
would also be desirable for such a mobile x-ray unit to enable the
technician to take x-ray exposures by staying in close proximity
with the patient and the mobile x-ray unit itself, while constantly
assuring and communicating with the patient during the
procedure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the invention overcome the aforementioned
drawbacks by providing a mobile x-ray unit with an integrated x-ray
shield. The x-ray shield on the mobile x-ray unit provides x-ray
radiation protection to a technician and negates the need for the
technician having to wear a protective lead apron.
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a mobile
x-ray imaging unit includes a base, a column structure extending
upwardly from the base, a horizontal arm mounted on the column
structure, an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm and
configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray
image, and an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base on a
side of the column structure opposite the x-ray source and being
configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray
source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is formed of
an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray shield is
sized so as to provide x-ray shielding to an operator when the
operator is in a standing position.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a mobile
x-ray imaging unit includes a wheeled base comprising a bottom
plane and a back plane, a column structure extending upwardly from
the bottom plane of the base, a horizontal arm mounted on the
column structure, an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm
and configured to generate x-ray radiation to accommodate
acquisition of an x-ray image, and an x-ray shield extending
upwardly from the bottom plane of the base and up to a height that
is greater than a height of the back plane, with the x-ray shield
being configured to shield an operator from x-ray radiation
generated by the x-ray source during operation thereof and being
constructed, at least in part, of an optically transparent material
to enable the operator to view a subject being imaged.
[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
method of manufacturing a mobile x-ray imaging unit includes
providing a base, affixing a vertically oriented column structure
to the base, and mounting a horizontal arm onto the column
structure, with the horizontal arm including an x-ray source
attached thereto on an end distal from the column structure that is
configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray
image. The method also includes positioning a vertically oriented
x-ray shield on the base on a side of the column structure opposite
the x-ray source, with the x-ray shield being formed at least in
part of an optically transparent material configured to attenuate
x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source, so as to shield an
operator from the x-ray radiation.
[0012] Various other features and advantages will be made apparent
from the following detailed description and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently
contemplated for carrying out the invention.
[0014] In the drawings:
[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a mobile x-ray
imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a mobile x-ray
imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield moved to a vertically
extended position according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0017] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the mobile x-ray
imaging unit of FIGS. 3 and 4 with the x-ray shield moved to a
vertically collapsed position.
[0018] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a mobile x-ray
imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield moved to horizontally
extended and retracted positions according to another embodiment of
the invention.
[0019] FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of a mobile x-ray
imaging unit with an integrated x-ray shield moved to horizontally
extended and retracted positions according to another embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a mobile x-ray
imaging unit having an integrated x-ray shield. The x-ray shield
has at least a partial section that is optically transparent so as
to enable an x-ray technician to observe and communicate with the
patient being scanned during preparation and exposure from a
location behind the said x-ray shield. The transparent section of
the integral x-ray shield is formed of a material having a
thickness sufficient to attenuate stray x-ray radiation. The form
of the generally vertically deployed x-ray shield is sufficient to
cover the standing height and breadth of an adult technician while
also leaving reasonable margin to accommodate various standing
postures of the technician behind it during exposure.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 AND 2, a mobile x-ray imaging unit 10
is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. The mobile
x-ray imaging unit 10 includes a base 12 having wheels 14 thereon
that provide mobility to the system 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 AND 2,
the base 12 is constructed as an L-shaped base that includes a
bottom plane 16 and a back plane 18 that extends upwardly from the
bottom plane 16 along a back side of the mobile x-ray imaging unit
10. The back plane 18 includes a handle 20 thereon that enables an
x-ray technician to maneuver the imaging unit 10 and move it from
location to location. The base 12 also includes a housing 22
mounted on bottom plane 16 that is configured to enclose electrical
hardware (not shown) associated with operation of the mobile x-ray
imaging unit 10. For example, electrical hardware associated with
x-ray image acquisition and processing of the acquired x-ray images
may be housed within housing 22.
[0022] Affixed to base 12 is a vertically oriented column structure
24 that extends upward from the base 12. A horizontally oriented
telescopic arm 26 is mounted on the column structure 24, with the
telescopic arm 26 having an x-ray source 28 that is mounted a
distal end thereof. The telescopic arm 26 is mounted on the column
structure 24 by way of a track 30 formed on the column structure
24, so as to be slidable there along in a vertical direction. The
telescopic arm 26 can thus be translated up or down along the track
30 of column structure 24 so as to vary a height of the x-ray
source 28. The telescopic arm 26 can also be extended inwardly and
outwardly to vary a position of the x-ray source 28 relative to the
column structure 24. Based on the horizontal and vertical
translation of the x-ray source 28 provided by the telescopic arm
26 and the mounting thereof on the column structure 24, the x-ray
source 28 can thus be positioned as desired over an area of concern
on a patient for acquisition of an x-ray image of the patient.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 AND 2, an integrated x-ray shield 32 is
provided on mobile x-ray imaging unit 10 that is configured to
shield the x-ray technician from radiation emitted during scanning
of a patient. According to one embodiment, the x-ray shield 32 is
affixed to the column structure 24 and back plane 18 of base 12.
The x-ray shield 32 is constructed so as to be generally vertically
deployed and to have a size and dimensions that are sufficient to
cover the standing height and breadth of an adult technician, while
also leaving reasonable leeway to accommodate various standing
postures of the technician behind it during exposure. Thus,
according to the embodiment of mobile x-ray imaging unit 10
illustrated in FIGS. 1 AND 2, the x-ray shield 32 will have a
height of at least six feet and a width of at least two feet, for
example.
[0024] The x-ray shield 32 is further constructed such that at
least a partial section of the shield is optically transparent, so
as to enable the x-ray technician to observe and communicate with
the patient being scanned during preparation and exposure from a
location behind the x-ray shield 32. Accordingly, the technician
can take x-ray exposures by staying in close proximity to the
patient and the mobile x-ray imaging unit 10 to enable observation
of the patient's body posture/movements, x-ray source position, and
collimator lighting, while also enabling communication between the
technician and the patient during the procedure via line-of-sight
and communication through hand gestures, direct eye contact, and
spoken instructions. In order to provide appropriate x-ray
shielding to the technician, the transparent section of the
integral x-ray shield 32 is formed of a material that effectively
attenuates stray x-ray radiation generated during a scan of the
patient. Thus, according to embodiments of the invention, the x-ray
shield 32 may be formed of leaded glass (ceramic), leaded acrylic
(polymeric/plastic), or other suitable material of equivalent Pb
thickness that attenuates the stray x-ray radiation.
[0025] As further shown in FIGS. 1 AND 2, a display 34 and control
panel 36 are included on mobile x-ray imaging unit 10 that are used
by the technician in connection with a scanning operation of the
patient. The display 34 and control panel 36 are mounted on top of
the back plane 18 and secured to x-ray shield 32, at a height that
is convenient for the technician to view and operate/manipulate
with his hands. In operation, the control panel 36 functions to
control operation of various components of the system, such as
controlling movement of telescopic arm 26 (both horizontally and
vertically) and the emitting of x-rays by x-ray source 28.
[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, control panel 36
includes a pair of exposure switches 38 arranged proximate to the
left and right side vertical edges of the x-ray shield 32. In
operation, the technician initiates an exposure via x-ray source 28
by simultaneously pressing/activating both of the exposure switches
38. The activation of x-ray source 28 by pressing both exposure
switches 38 ensures that the technician is always in a secure
location, centered behind the x-ray shield 32 while taking the
exposure, thereby removing any possibilities of an unsafe/negligent
use of the imaging unit 10 by an x-ray technician. A fool-proof
arrangement for the technicians to protect themselves during x-ray
procedures is thus provided.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, a mobile digital x-ray imaging
unit 40 is shown according to another embodiment of the invention.
The mobile x-ray imaging unit 40 includes a base 12 having wheels
14 thereon that provide mobility to the system 10. The base 12 is
constructed as an L-shaped base that includes a bottom plane 16 and
a back plane 18 that extends upwardly from the bottom plane 16
along a back side of the mobile x-ray imaging unit 40. The back
plane 18 includes a handle 20 thereon that enables an x-ray
technician to maneuver the imaging unit 40 and move it from
location to location. The base 12 also includes a housing 22
mounted on bottom plane 16 that is configured to enclose electrical
hardware (not shown) associated with operation of the mobile x-ray
imaging unit 40. For example, electrical hardware associated with
x-ray image acquisition and processing of the acquired x-ray images
may be housed within housing 22.
[0028] Affixed to base 12 is a vertically oriented column structure
42 that extends upward from the base 12. A hinged arm 44 supporting
an x-ray source 28 is mounted on the column structure 42 and
includes hinges 46 that enable the arm 44 to be moved both
horizontally and vertically to accommodate positioning of the x-ray
source 28 relative to a patient as desired by a technician. The
hinged arm 44 thus provides for positioning of the x-ray source 28
as desired over an area of concern on a patient for acquisition of
an x-ray image of the patient.
[0029] Also included on mobile x-ray imaging unit 40 is an
integrated x-ray shield 48 configured to shield the x-ray
technician from radiation emitted during scanning of a patient.
According to one embodiment, the x-ray shield 48 is affixed to the
column structure 42 and back plane 18 of base 12. The x-ray shield
48 is constructed such that at least a partial section of the
shield is optically transparent, so as to enable the x-ray
technician to observe and communicate with the patient being
scanned during preparation and exposure from a location behind the
x-ray shield 48, with the shield having a size and dimensions that
are sufficient to cover the height and breadth of an adult
technician. The transparent section of the integral x-ray shield 48
is formed of a material that effectively attenuates stray x-ray
radiation generated during a scan of the patient. Thus, according
to embodiments of the invention, the x-ray shield 48 may be formed
of leaded glass (ceramic), leaded acrylic (polymeric/plastic), or
other suitable material of equivalent Pb thickness that attenuates
the stray x-ray radiation.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the x-ray shield 48 is configured as
a telescopically collapsing/expanding member that facilitates rapid
full deployment and folding back of the shield 48 during and after
use, respectively, as desired by a technician. The extendable x-ray
shield 48 is configured to slide in a vertical direction between an
extended position and a collapsed position, such that a height of
the x-ray shield 48 can be varied. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
x-ray shield 48 is in an extended/expanded position, such as would
be desired when performing an x-ray scan on a patient. In the
extended position, the x-ray shield 48 has a height sufficient to
cover the standing height of an adult technician, while also
leaving reasonable leeway to accommodate various standing postures
of the technician behind it during exposure. As shown in FIGS. 5
and 6, the x-ray shield 48 is in a collapsed or retracted position,
such as would be desired when the mobile x-ray imaging unit 40 is
not in use, so as to facilitate moving of the system and storage
thereof in small areas, such as under staircases and under
wall-mounted cabinets, for example.
[0031] As further shown in FIGS. 3-6, a display 34 and control
panel 36 are included on mobile x-ray imaging unit 40 that are used
by the technician in connection with a scanning operation of the
patient. The display 34 and control panel 36 are mounted on top of
the back plane 18 and secured to x-ray shield 48, at a height that
is convenient for the technician to view and operate/manipulate
with his hands. In operation, the control panel 36 functions to
control operation of various components of the system, such as
controlling movement of telescopic arm 26 (both horizontally and
vertically) and the emitting of x-rays by x-ray source 28.
[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, control panel 36
includes a pair of exposure switches 38 arranged proximate to the
left and right side vertical edges of the x-ray shield 48. In
operation, the technician initiates an exposure via x-ray source 28
by simultaneously pressing/activating both of the exposure switches
38. The activation of x-ray source 28 by pressing both exposure
switches 38 ensures that the technician is always in a secure
location, centered behind the x-ray shield 48 while taking the
exposure, thereby removing any possibilities of an unsafe/negligent
use of the imaging unit 10 by an x-ray technician. A fool-proof
arrangement for the technicians to protect themselves during x-ray
procedures is thus provided.
[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, where in the x-ray
shield 48 is configured as a telescopically collapsing/expanding
member, the mobile x-ray unit also has a transducer 50 that detects
the collapsed and extended states of the x-ray shield 48 and a
controller 52 configured to enable operation of the x-ray source 28
only when the x-ray shield 48 is in its extended state, thus making
the operation of the mobile x-ray imaging unit 40 adequately
fool-proof. The transducer 50 provided may be one of a contact
switch (micro-switch/limit-switch), a potentiometer, an optical
switch/encoder, a magnetic switch/encoder, or similar device.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, additional embodiments of
mobile digital x-ray imaging unit 10 are shown that incorporate a
collapsing/expanding x-ray shield member that increases coverage
for a technician in a horizontal direction/dimension. In the
embodiments of FIGS. 7-10, the x-ray shield is configured as a
collapsing/expanding member that facilitates rapid full deployment
and folding or sliding back of the shield during and after use,
respectively, as desired by a technician. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 7-8, an extendable x-ray shield 54 is provided that is
configured to slide in and out between an extended position and a
collapsed position, such that a width of the x-ray shield 54 can be
varied. In FIGS. 9-10, an extendable x-ray shield 56 is provided
that is configured to hinge inward and outward in a horizontal
direction between an extended position and a collapsed position,
such that a width of the x-ray shield 56 can be varied. As shown in
FIGS. 8 and 10, the x-ray shield 54, 56 is in an extended position,
such as would be desired when performing an x-ray scan on a
patient. In the extended position, the x-ray shield 54, 56 has a
width sufficient to cover the standing dimensions of an adult
technician, while also leaving reasonable leeway to accommodate
various standing postures of the technician behind it during
exposure. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the x-ray shield 54, 56 is in
a collapsed or retracted position. The collapsed or retracted
position of x-ray shield 54, 56 reduces the footprint of the mobile
x-ray imaging unit 10 and helps in maneuvering it in compact
spaces, such as in an inter-bed space between two adjacent beds or
in an elevator/lift in hospital facilities, while also saving some
space needed to park/store the unit in hospital facilities.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, mobile x-ray unit 10 includes
transducers 50 that detect the collapsed and extended states of the
x-ray shield 54, 56 and a controller 52 configured to enable
operation of the x-ray source 28 only when the x-ray shield 54, 56
is in its extended state, thus making the operation of the mobile
x-ray imaging unit 10 adequately fool-proof. The transducers 50
provided may be one of a contact switch
(micro-switch/limit-switch), a potentiometer, an optical
switch/encoder, a magnetic switch/encoder, or similar device.
[0036] It is recognized that the embodiments of the invention set
forth above are broadly applicable to both analog and digital
mobile x-ray imaging units in many applications and scenarios. That
is, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
embodiments of the invention are applicable not only to mobile
x-ray units that employ digital detectors, but are equally
applicable for use with analog units that employ film screen
cassettes rather than an electronic detector.
[0037] Beneficially, embodiments of the invention thus provide
x-ray radiation protection to a technician and negate the need for
the technician having to wear a protective lead apron, thereby
eliminating the drawbacks associated with the use of such aprons.
Embodiments of the invention also benefit health administrators by
eliminating the need for periodic fluoroscopic inspection of lead
shielding aprons, identification and record keeping of
inspected/in-service aprons for regulatory audits, cumbersome
protocols for safe disposal of damaged lead aprons, and the
recurring cost of replacing the damaged aprons and liabilities
towards the long term health of the technicians. Embodiments of the
invention also enhance patient throughput productivity due to
shortened and more efficient workflow and higher employee
satisfaction. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention are broadly
applicable to both analog and digital mobile x-ray imaging
units.
[0038] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a
mobile x-ray imaging unit includes a base, a column structure
extending upwardly from the base, a horizontal arm mounted on the
column structure, an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm
and configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an
x-ray image, and an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base
on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray source and
being configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the
x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is
formed of an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray
shield is sized so as to provide x-ray shielding to an operator
when the operator is in a standing position.
[0039] According to another embodiment of the invention, a mobile
x-ray imaging unit includes a wheeled base comprising a bottom
plane and a back plane, a column structure extending upwardly from
the bottom plane of the base, a horizontal arm mounted on the
column structure, an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm
and configured to generate x-ray radiation to accommodate
acquisition of an x-ray image, and an x-ray shield extending
upwardly from the bottom plane of the base and up to a height that
is greater than a height of the back plane, with the x-ray shield
being configured to shield an operator from x-ray radiation
generated by the x-ray source during operation thereof and being
constructed, at least in part, of an optically transparent material
to enable the operator to view a subject being imaged.
[0040] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a
method of manufacturing a mobile x-ray imaging unit includes
providing a base, affixing a vertically oriented column structure
to the base, and mounting a horizontal arm onto the column
structure, with the horizontal arm including an x-ray source
attached thereto on an end distal from the column structure that is
configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray
image. The method also includes positioning a vertically oriented
x-ray shield on the base on a side of the column structure opposite
the x-ray source, with the x-ray shield being formed at least in
part of an optically transparent material configured to attenuate
x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source, so as to shield an
operator from the x-ray radiation.
[0041] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
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